In this episode, Vanessa Thompson from our property, planning and environment team joins private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem to discuss her journey to Cooper Grace Ward and her experience at the firm.

They also reflect on how planning and environment law has evolved over the years, and touch on Vanessa’s life outside work with two kids and two corgis.

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers’ compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from those who ran them.

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by insurance claims adviser Catherine Dugdell to discuss the District Court case of Sneddon v Petts. Damien and Catherine explore a workplace injury on a rural hobby farm involving a brush cutter, focusing on the disputes around liability and the credibility of evidence.

Catherine shares insights on the challenges of assessing witness reliability, managing pleadings, and navigating complex injury claims in a less conventional work environment. Tune in for practical reflections on preparing for trial and what it takes to secure a successful outcome.

Join us for a coffee chat with special counsel Rebecca Edwards and partner Scott Hay-Bartlem, both from our private client team. Together, they explore Rebecca’s journey from aged care to elder law, her passion for helping families through difficult times, and chat about her busy weekends with kids’ soccer and trips to the beach. Plus, they dive into the importance of enduring powers of attorney and the challenges clients face when navigating these legal complexities.

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers’ compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from the lawyers who ran them.

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by senior associate Kim Villis to discuss the Court of Appeal case Cootharinga North Queensland v Wolfs. Damien and Kim explore the importance of pleadings in workers’ compensation claims, focusing on how the risk of injury must be clearly identified in the statement of claim.

Kim explains the challenges that arise when claims are pleaded too broadly, the impact on trial preparation and costs, and why precise pleadings are essential to properly define the scope of a claim. Tune in for practical insights on managing pleadings to avoid surprises and ensure efficient case management.

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from the lawyers who ran them.

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by special counsel Chris Murphy and senior associate Jess Byrne to discuss the High Court case of CCIG Investments Pty Ltd v Schokman. They cover an unusual workplace incident on Daydream Island and explore the key legal issues around vicarious liability and the scope of employment.

The team also reflect on their experience appearing before the High Court in this claim and what this decision means for vicarious liability and workers compensation law in Queensland and across Australia.

Welcome to The 2026 federal Budget with CGW, our limited podcast series that breaks down how the 2026 Budget changes may affect you. In this first episode, partners Scott Hay-Bartlem and Linda Tapiolas from Cooper Grace Ward’s private client team explore the significant proposed changes to discretionary trusts. They cover new minimum tax rates, beneficiary tax credits, exemptions, and the challenges of restructuring trust and company arrangements. With uncertainty still surrounding the legislation, Scott and Linda explain why caution is essential and what clients should watch closely. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes on CGT and negative gearing reforms.

Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from those who ran them.

In this debut episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by insurance claims adviser Catherine Dugdell to unpack the 2024 case of Paetzold v At Beach Court Holiday Villas Pty Ltd. They explore the complexities of a claim involving a faulty mower battery, a dramatic fall down an embankment, and disputed injuries. Catherine shares the challenges of navigating credibility issues, causation arguments, and the persistence needed to uncover the full story behind the claim.

Tune in for a candid discussion on the realities of workers compensation litigation, lessons learned, and what it takes to prepare a case for trial.

Join us for a coffee chat with Sophia Ousager from our corporate advisory team and private client partner Scott Hay-Bartlem. They explore Sophia’s journey at CGW from law clerk to senior associate, share insights into her life beyond work including her knack for knitting, and discuss how solving problems for her clients inspires her.